Micro Credit

We recognize that much of the current crisis has unjust economic relationships at its roots. Many persons and local communities do not have power to make economic decisions and do not have access to credit in order to begin community cooperatives and businesses that can help sustain local economies and prevent individuals from being forced to migrate in search of low-income jobs.

Therefore, we have instituted a policy that states any reserves we have will be used not for our financial profit, but rather for the benefit of the development of impoverished communities. In response, through the Presbyterian Foundation, we have invested half of our reserves in Oikocredit, an ecumenical credit organization which supports productive enterprises in disadvantaged areas all over the world with loans, guarantees and investments.

Also, we have developed a local fund that is used for the start up of micro-credit enterprises on the border and has helped families or groups begin 23 businesses.